Published • loading... • Updated
Beshear Urges Congress to Support Expanded Benefits for Those with Black Lung Disease
Beshear said the bill would restore monthly payments and medical coverage for miners as black lung cases in Appalachia reach a 50-year high, officials said.
- On Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear sent a letter to Kentucky's congressional delegation urging them to support the Support Our Miners Act to increase black lung benefits for disabled miners.
- Appalachia is experiencing its highest number of black lung cases in nearly 50 years, while inflation has eroded benefits by 30 percent since the Black Lung Benefits Act was first enacted in 1969.
- Single miners currently receive only $794 monthly, though inflation adjustments suggest that figure should exceed $1,200; the Support Our Miners Act would establish annual cost-of-living adjustments to prevent future erosion.
- While dozens of local governments from both Republicans and Democrats support the bill, most of Kentucky's federal delegation has remained silent, with Rep. Hal Rogers citing concerns about the trust fund.
- Introduced by Pennsylvania Democrat Rep. Summer Lee, H.R. 9556 has not received a hearing since June 30, though proponents argue Congress must act now to assist disabled coal miners.
Insights by Ground AI
14 Articles
14 Articles
Gov. Beshear urges Congress to expand benefits for Black Lung Disease
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) - Governor Andy Beshear sent a letter to Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation urging them to support expanded benefits for coal miners. Gov. Beshear noted that the proposed Support Our Miners Act would increase benefits to match inflation for the first time. The intention is to better support veteran coal miners suffering from the [...]
·Charleston, United States
Read Full Article
Jessamine Journal+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
Beshear urges Congress to boost black lung benefits for Kentucky miners
FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – With Appalachia currently facing a resurgence of black lung disease, Gov. Andy Beshear sent a letter on Thursday to Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation, urging them to support […]
·Nicholasville, United States
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left3Leaning Right5Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Center, 38% Right
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources are Center, 38% of the sources lean Right
39% Center
L 23%
C 39%
R 38%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
